Phatthalung is an ancient city in southern Thailand. It is a land of mountains. In town is Khao Ok Thalu, which is clearly visible from afar. Phatthalung is regarded as the birthplace of the shadow play and the Nora dance. From ancient times to the present, Phatthalung has been closely linked to Songkhla Province, particularly in terms of geography, history and migratory settlements through many ages. During the Srivijaya period (13th-14th Buddhist century), the Phatthalung community received Indian cultural influence in the way of Mahayana Buddhism. In the reign of King Ramathibodi I (U Thong) of Ayutthaya, Phatthalung became one of twelve royal cities. Later during the reign of King Rama I in the Rattanakosin period, the king had the Ministry of Defense oversee Phatthalung, upgraded it to secondary city status and moved it to the mouth of Pam River.
When there was an administration reform in the reign of King Rama V, Phatthalung prefecture came under Nakhon Si Thammarat prefecture until 1924, when King Rama VI relocated the city to Tambon Khuha Sawan where it has been ever since. Upon the abolition of the prefecture system in 1933, Phatthalung became a province outright.
Phatthalung city is situated on the west bank of Songkhla Lake, about 846 kilometres from Bangkok. It has an area of 3,424.473 square kilometres and is divided into 10 districts and 1 sub-district, as follows: Mueang Phatthalung, Khuan Khanun, Pak Phayun, Kong Ra, Tamot, Khao Chaison, Pa Bon, Bang Kaeo, Si Banphot, Pa Phayom, and the sub-district of Srinagarindra.
Boundary
North - Borders Chauat in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ranot in Songkhla.
South - Borders Rattaphum and Khuan Niang in Songkhla and Khuan Kalong in Satun.
East - Borders Songkhla Lake, Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, and Singhanakhon in Songkhla.
West - Borders Nakhon Si Thammarat (Banthat) mountain range, Huai Yot, Mueang Trang, Na Yong, Yan Ta Khao, and Palian in Trang.
How to get there
By
Car
1) First route: From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4, passing the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Ranong, then drive straight to Phang-nga town. It is 788 kilometres from Bangkok. The trip takes around 12 hours.
2) Second route: From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 to Chumphon, from there, take Higway No. 41 to Amphoe Tha Chang, then go straight to an intersection where a right turn is made to Highway No. 401, keep driving to Amphoe Ban Ta Khun for about 50 kilometres, and then take Highway No. 415 for 30 kilometres, take a right turn to Phang-nga town. Visitors travelling from Phuket should use Highway No. 402, passing Sarasin Bridge to Ban Khok Kloi, take a right turn to Amphoe Takua Thung. It is 87 kilometres from Phuket. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
By
Bus
There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang-nga. Travelling time is 12 hours. For more information call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel. 0 2435 1199-200 or the Phang-nga Bus Terminal at tel: 0 7641 2300, 0 7641 2014 or visit www.transport.co.th
By Train
There is no direct train to Phang-nga. The State Railways of Thailand operates daily train services between Bangkok and Surat Thani. A trip to Phang-nga can be made by getting off at the Surat Thani Railway Station and then ride a bus for another two hours. For more information call Bangkoks Hualamphong Railway Station at tel. 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit http://www.railway.co.th/
By Air
Thai Airways International operates Bangkok-Phuket flights daily. From Phuket, take a bus or rent a car to Phang-nga for about 58 kilometres. For more information, call Thai Airways at tel: 1566 or 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit http://www.thaiairways.com/
Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts
Takua Thung
Thap Put
Kapong
Thai Mueang
Takua Pa
Khura Buri
Ko Yao
